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“Oh, um. Thanks.” She played with the end of her hair, curling it around her index finger.
I watched that motion for way too long, wishing it were my hand in her hair. The fragrance of the flowery shampoo she used was burned into my brain and the soft feel imprinted on my hands.
My cock, not getting the memo that we were only here to talk, became stiff in my jeans. I adjusted myself and cleared my throat. “Need anything else?”
She bit her lip thoughtfully for a moment, then shook her head, making her hair tumble around her face. I balled my fist and resisted pushing it back.
“I’ll get the shirt.” I stopped short of patting her exposed knee as I moved to stand up. If I did that, there was no way I could resist caressing my hand up her thigh.
She frowned as I stood. “You're leaving?”
“I need to get a shirt for you.”
“Oh, I don't need it right now. I'll just sleep in this.” She leaned back and gestured at her body.
The motion brought my eyes to her pert nipples poking through the thin tank top. I blinked away the image and faced the door. “Good night, Violet.”
I was halfway to the door when she whispered back, “Good night.”
The sound crushed my heart. What was I doing? The past few days without her were the worst. I could barely do anything but think of her. I'd never felt so strongly about any woman. Every single day, I missed her so much. And now that she was here, why was I was leaving?
I clenched my teeth and turned. Her eyes lit up as she gazed at me. The hope in them had me walking back to the bed. I pulled in a deep breath and sat down in the same spot I had just vacated. But instead of keeping my hands to myself, I did what I'd been itching to do since I saw her this afternoon.
I reached forward and pulled her hand into mine. Her soft gasp echoed a spark that went through me when our fingers touched. I absorbed the feeling and stroked her hand in search of more. She made me feel like nothing else.
Her smooth, warm palm moved against mine, and she threaded her fingers with mine. I brought my gaze up to her face, and she stared at me a little unsurely, like I might pull my hand away. She had no idea.
I curved my fingers, securing our bond. I stared at the spot. We fit so perfectly. Her fair, unblemished skin against my tanned hand. I stroked her knuckles. She was so smooth and soft, and my need to protect her against all harm surged through me.
“Violet.”
“Yes?” she exhaled.
I looked up into her face, and my heart pounded in my chest. So beautiful. So open and trusting. I swallowed. “I’ve decided to make Wanda the kids’ permanent nanny. I spoke with the agency, and they’re agreeable.”
Her face fell. “What?”
“I want Wanda to be—”
“Oh, no. I heard that. What… Is that what you wanted to say?”
“Yes, why?” Worry pinched my brows. I thought she'd be ecstatic.
“Well,” she looked down at our clasped hands, then back up at me, and at that moment, the sadness in her eyes deepened.
“Violet, what is it?”
“I thought you were going to...kiss me—” she said in a whisper.
I started to speak, but she cut me off.
“—not tell me I'm permanently replaced.” She dipped her head. "I know I left in a rush, but I was just worried about the kids."
“Hey,” I slipped a finger beneath her chin and coaxed her face back up. “My decision has nothing to do with your leaving. I completely understand why you did.” I thumbed the line of her jaw, marveling at the silky feel of her skin.
“Then why?”
I breathed deeply. I couldn't remember the last time I was so nervous.Tell her, Shawn. “I want more with you.”
